Kenny Ray Crouch,

Kenny Ray Crouch, age 75, of Taylorsville, passed away on Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at his home following a brief illness. He was born in Caldwell County on April 26th, 1935 to Raymond & Esther Crouch.  In addition to his biological parents, he was preceded in death by his special parents, George F. & Maggie Gentle. He was a faithful member of Smyrna Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School director and teacher, and a Royal Ambassador leader.  He also was an avid racing fan. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Betty Bumgarner Crouch of the home; their children: Cathy Hickerson & husband Lynn of Hiddenite; Jean Grindstaff & husband John of Claremont; and Jimmy Crouch & wife Vicki of Taylorsville; and 5 grandchildren: Jeremy Hickerson, Allison Lowman, Leslie Gwaltney, Hannah Grindstaff and Lydia Grindstaff; and 3 great-grandchildren: Emma Hickerson, Ava Hickerson, and Cameron Lowman.  He is also survived by 7 siblings: Joyce Wike & husband Jack, Edith Richie & husband Johnson – all of Bethlehem; Mildred Duncan of Atlanta, Ga; Arnold Crouch & wife Carolyn of Taylorsville; Larry Crouch & wife Annette of Granite Falls; Doris Duncan; Steve Crouch & wife Donna – all of Bethlehem. He was also preceded in death by one grandson: Nahum Grindstaff; and 3 siblings: Lester Crouch, Charles Gentle, and Billy Gentle. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 22nd, 2011 at Smyrna Baptist Church from 2 – 3:45 P.M.  The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. inside the church where the Rev. Michael Barber will be officiating.  Burial to follow in the church cemetery.  Alexander Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.